And Mancini has now indicated that Kompany will be sidelined until after the fifth-round FA Cup clash with Leeds on February 17, which means he will also sit out the home clash with the Reds as well as the trip to Southampton.

"Vinnie is out," the Italian told reporters. "I hope he can recover after the FA Cup."

If the initial assessments are correct, Kompany's first game back is likely to be City's home game against Chelsea on February 24.

Midfielder Javi Garcia was forced to fill in at the back against Harry Redknapp's side, with Kolo Toure at the Afcon and Matija Nastasic not fully fit, though the latter is likely to return to first-team action against Liverpool.

Micah Richards, who has been missing since being stretchered off against Swansea back in October, is also due back in early February.